The government’s method of terrorism has given rise to debate within its own ranks, as PML-N senator Irfan Siddiqui on Saturday claimed that the government retains the opportunity to start an operation, if necessary a few days after the Ministry of the Interior excluded a fresh military offensive against terrorism.

The PML-N senator emphasized that terrorists cannot roam freely and take innocent life without having consequences, the PML-N senator said there was currently no major military operation, but the state has the authority to act where it was necessary to eliminate terrorism.

The comments from PML-N’s parliamentary leader in the Senate have come after the Prime Minister of Interior Talal Chaudhry categorically stated that there was no new military operation in the midst of a broader debate on terrorist strategies after a high level of security huge parliamentary committee for national security meeting.

At a news conference on Thursday, Chaudhry had said that a new military operation was not discussed in parliamentary security courage, participated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the army chief. He had claimed that Azm-E-Destehkam and the National Action Plan (NAP) would be enforced to fight terrorism.

Chaudhry’s remarks came to counter KP chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who had reportedly opposed any new offensive in the province.

On Saturday, Senator Siddiqui also accused KP cm Gandapur of trying to transform the province into a safe haven for terrorists.

“Terrorists cannot be allowed to roam freely, play destruction with innocent citizens, and go scot-free,” said Siddiqui, chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, in an interview on a private TV channel.

“Will our armed forces wait for Gandapur’s permission if, God forbid, any misadventure will be launched on our western border,” asked Siddiqui.

Senior PML-N leader said former Prime Minister Imran Khan, in collaboration with the then military leadership, had brought terrorists back from Afghanistan and resident them in Pakistan, which has now become a major problem.

When asked about the concept of “hard state,” as the army chief of the security committee meeting, Senator Siddiqui explained that those who attack the state and kill innocent Pakistanis will be treated with an iron hand and no easing will be shown to them.

In response to another question, Senator Siddiqui clarified that a “hard state” simply does not show that no grace to terrorists, their patrons and those who glorify them on social media.

He noted that “the Chief of the Army staff have represented the feelings of the whole nation by taking this attitude.”

Siddiqui complained that even in the wake of events like 9 May, the state unfortunately showed a soft approach. “In any other country,” he said, “those involved in such contemptible acts would have had serious consequences.”

Senator Siddiqui said the hijacking of Jaffar Express was a cruel terrorist act that was condemned by the whole world, including the United Nations Security Council.

No one felt it as nationalism or a struggle for fundamental rights, he said, adding everyone called it terrorism. However, he regretted that the leadership of a political party and its affiliated media launched a propaganda campaign and encouraged terrorists while trying to encourage hatred against the armed forces performing the operation.

About the question of poor governance, Senator Siddiqui pointed out that the comments were made regarding Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where over 90% of terrorist events have taken place. During the meeting on national security, it was reported that the army chief had made comments on poor governance by saying how long the management gap is completed by the martyr’s blood.